"From day 1 Messi said there has to be wage cuts"

The players agreed to lower their salary, something that Leo Messi revealed, who also dropped in the statement some anger about leaks that indicated a refusal of the squad to cut their salaries when the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus has paralysed all activity in the world. "It is surprising that, from within the club, there were those who tried to put us under the spotlight and tried to subject us to pressure to do something that we were always clear that we would do," Messi said. FC Barcelona confirmed that the players had taken a step forward.

Speaking to 'Sport', Bartomeu ruled out any leaks from the highest levels and assured that the willingness of the captains, especially Messi, was maximum. "From the first moment, Messi said that this must be done," the president said. "It is a gesture that demonstrates their commitment to the club," the Barca president added.

The squad will not only have their salaries cut by 70% during this period of inactivity, but an additional 2% so that club employees who are non-sporting staff can keep their salaries. "This proposal came from the captains," Bartomeu said.

Regarding Messi's possible anger, Bartomeu denied leaks on his part and admitted that he met with the captains to discuss the measures. "Perhaps they have been upset by things that have been said by people inside and outside the club who do not have all the information, but the negotiations were carried out only by Oscar Grau and I and we have not said anything," Bartomeu said about his work and that of the Barca CEO's.

"We would have been irresponsible managers if we had not implemented this reduction. The economic situation is difficult and we had to put all the measures in place to protect the club. Barça were not taking any risks. It is the club that earns the most in the world and will continue doing so but it was necessary to adapt the expenses to the income, that now have been reduced. We will start again," the president said, who revealed that the executives also cut their salaries after the temporary dismissal adopted by Barca.